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EAGLES COMPETE WELL IN SOUTHSIDE SHOOTOUT!

Jun. 11, 2012

June 1-3 - While the Falcons and Ravens were battling for gold at the Salsa Soccer Tournament, the Freebird Eagles were competing in Belton, MO. at the Southside Spring Shootout.  They played well throughout the tournament, but as was often the case this past spring, the Eagles fell just short in the close games.  Their two losses were each by one goal apiece, including a 2-1 loss to the eventual tournament champions.  Despite the disappointing end, it was still a very good season for the Eagles, as they showed definite growth and promise for the future.

Eagles 1, LSSA Red Hots 2

Saturday Morning - After falling behind early, the Eagles tied it up off an unassisted goal by Mia .  The game remained 1-1 until the Red Hots scored in the second half to go up 2-1.  Despite the lack of scoring, the Eagles actually played well offensively, pushing the ball up and down the field against a tough A1 division team (that beat the Falcons a few weeks back).  The forwards used their skills well, particularly Julia who once pulled 3 consecutive moves to confuse a Red Hots defender.  And despite only giving up 2 goals, the Eagles defense struggled quite a bit.  In the end, however, the Eagles just came up short against the eventual champs.  Mia S was awarded the team MVP for the game by the Red Hots.

Eagles 0, Lone Jack Nightmares 1

Saturday Afternoon - The Eagles played well, controlling the ball in the midfield, though both teams getting many shots.  In the last 45 seconds of the game, Lone Jack received a free kick just outside the Eagles penalty box after a tough tackle.  When the Eagles wall was still being set (and the referee was still talking to the Eagles players), the Lone Jack shooter stepped up and blasted the direct kick into the goal, giving the Eagles a most disappointing defeat.  For her excellent effort in goal, Ellie was awarded the team MVP for the game by the Nightmares.

Eagles 1, Mighty Cupcakes 1

Sunday Morning - The Eagles were on fire with countless shots throughout the first half, but they just couldn't put anything in the back of the net.  All of the forwards had at least one shot on goal, and the passing and movement off the ball were stellar.  However, the game remained scoreless until halftime.   In the second half, Lilly was pulled up to forward, and she proceeded to dribble through the Cupcakes defense numerous times.  Despite setting up her teammates on several nice crosses, the Eagles were not able to finish.  Finally, Mia S received a pass from the Eagles defense, dribbled right at the Cupcakes defense, and dished the ball to Lilly.  The versatile Lilly hit a beautiful left footed shot into the goal to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead.  Unfortunately, with about 5 minutes left in the game, the Eagles began to wear down in the heat, leaving the Mighty Cupcakes an opportunity to tie up the game.  They did, and the game ended 1-1.  Lilly was voted the team MVP for the game by the Mighty Cupcakes.   Overall, Coaches Kate and Emily were happy to see the tremendous growth of the Eagles.  Each and every girl has improved so much, from first touches to trying more challenging moves (including headers!).  Players like Mia S were able to trap most of Ellie's booming punts and then distribute to the outside forwards.  Also, the coaches saw an increase in drop passes to the Eagles defense, as well as wonderful crosses across the box to Eagles forwards.  Coaches Kate and Emily look forward to using these positives and improving the team as they move to U10 this fall.